Even though Jared had warned Nolan, he jumped at Alec’s appearance.
“Nolan,” Alec said animatedly. “You won’t believe it. It’s amazing.”
“Slow down,” Nolan said. “Take a breath.”
Alec took a few short breaths. “By Brim, Nolan, I was fast before … but now … And it’s so much easier. It gave me some type of agility. If we leave now, we can get you in there—” Alec stopped; his eyes darted toward Greer.
“It’s okay,” Nolan said. “He knows.”
“He d-does?” Alec stammered. For the first time since he’d reappeared, he was speechless.
Malik and Bonty approached, walking arm in arm. Alec’s mouth dropped open.
“This is my nephew, Malik,” Greer said. “Malik, this is Alec Deverell.”
Malik released Bonty’s arm and examined Alec with gleaming eyes. His lips spread open to a wide grin. “Alec, is it? I am honored.” He grabbed Alec’s hand and shook it.
Alec’s gaze caught Nolan’s with a “who is this guy?” expression.
Malik released his hold. “You are well, then?”
“Very well, thank you,” Alec said, puzzled. He opened and closed his palm, trying to regain circulation. “Do I know you?”
Malik opened his mouth to speak, but Greer quickly positioned himself between them. “Malik, you can stay with me until you get your own place.” He pulled the brawny Malik away. “I’ll check on you later, sir,” he said to Nolan over his shoulder.
Bonty followed behind them.
“Who is that?” Alec asked.
“Jared’s nephew, I guess.”
“Huh? When did he show up?”
“Today,” Nolan said. He wondered how Greer had explained Malik’s appearance to Flann.
“I’ve seen him somewhere.” Alec tapped his finger against his chin. “And what’s with him and Bonty? Now that’s just not right.”
“Bonty is a grown woman—”
“It’s not that. It’s something else.” He snapped and held up a finger. “What if he’s Rol’dan? Maybe I saw him at the tournament.”
“Don’t you think I would’ve recognized him, if that were the case?”
Alec nodded. “I’ve seen him somewhere.”
“You’ve got a lot more to worry about than Bonty,” Nolan said. “Don’t you have to meet Emery and his group?”
“Yes, but I’m supposed to rest before I leave. Don’t worry, I’ll catch up with them. But while I’m here, you can have a go at the stone.”
Nolan cast him a foul glare.
“Think of the fun we could have,” Alec said. “Think of the possibilities.”
Nolan grabbed Alec’s arm.
“Ow!” Alec said, grinning. “Crows, Nolan!”
“Sorry.” Nolan pushed down his Strength and directed Alec through the busy path, away from watching eyes behind a grouping of small trees. He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Even if I did step into the light, I wouldn’t do it in front of anyone. Mind you, if I were to go, I’d wait until morning before sunrise and beat anyone coming early.”
“You mean travel while it’s still dark?” Alec gawked. “Let me remind you that the Dor’Jan are still out there. We saw them in the high country just last night.”
“Don’t worry. The Dor’Jan wouldn’t dare come near us this time.”
“And why’s that?”
Nolan smiled. “Wait and see.”
***
The dark roads were deserted as Nolan headed to the armory. He concentrated on the crunching of his feet against the packed earth, blocking the subtle sounds of sleep in the homes nearby. He’d augured with himself all evening, unable to eat, unable to think. Part of him wondered if the Shay powers were turning him into an arrogant twit like Kael. Isn’t four Shay powers enough?
He inhaled quickly and released it in a long sigh. If they wanted to defeat Alcandor, if they wanted to free all the Rol’dan—including Kael—then Nolan wanted to help.
He’d become a pretty good swordsman. But no matter how hard he trained, or how much Perception and Accuracy and Strength he put behind his blade, he’d still be dead from a Speed Rol’dan before he even drew his sword. Nolan needed Speed.
Nolan cringed, remembering his last transformation. So much pain. But he’d seen others transform. Strength was always the worst. Speed would be easy—in comparison.
Unless it killed him.
Wiping sweaty palms on his breeches, he pushed his fears into the box with his Shays. It could kill him. Or … he’d gain Speed, save Kael, and—most importantly—beat the pants off Alec in their next sparring session. A smile crept to his face. Definitely worth the risk.
Summoning Perception, he heard both Alec and his father snoring softly in the armory.
He rapped lightly on the door, but Alec didn’t answer.
Nolan knocked a little louder and finally someone stirred inside. The door creaked open, and Alec’s head poked out, his hair sticking up in sleep-mangled clumps.
“Nolan?”
“I thought you were meeting me at the field.”
Alec scratched his head. “You weren’t joking?” He blinked, trying to focus.
“Hurry up!”
The door closed softly, and Nolan waited only a few seconds before Alec reappeared, fully dressed, hair combed, and wide awake.
“Let’s grab some torches from the armory,” Alec said, his eyes glowing with Speed.
“We don’t need them.”
Alec crossed his arms over his chest, scowling. “What do you mean, we don’t need—”
“Just come on,” Nolan said and stepped off.
They walked across the field, their steps crunching against the dry grass. Stopping next to one of the protective lanterns, they waited.
Alec kicked at the ground and fidgeted with the lantern pole. “Crows, Nolan. This is stupid. What are we waiting for? The sun to rise? We could’ve done that in bed.”
“Shh!” Nolan hid a smile.
Several minutes passed, and impatience gushed from Alec.
“Relax!” Nolan said.
“I am relaxing,” Alec lied. He leaned against the pole and tapped it irritably. His tapping stopped as the three shadowed figures approached. “Who’s that?”
The Guardians drew nearer, still in their human forms. Their eyes glowed white with internal light, a light Alec couldn’t see.
“You invited them?” Alec said, confusion pouring from him.
Nolan supposed inviting an old man, a barmaid, and someone they’d just met might come across as strange.
“Evening, Master.” Malik bowed. “Shall I provide our light?”
“No,” Nolan answered. “I got it.”
“I told you, I can get torches,” Alec said. “If you just give me a second …” His voice trailed off as soon as Nolan’s light emerged. Words strangled in his throat.
“Let’s go,” Nolan said, “before I change my mind.”
***
By the time they reached the ruins, the sun poked over the mountains. Nolan decreased his Shay powers, and a blanket of exhaustion fell on him.
They arrived at the temple just as sunlight reached the high-domed ceiling. The symbols appeared, each in their turn. Nolan tensed as the golden symbol of Speed emerged.
Alec grabbed his arm. “No one is forcing you, you know.” A mixture of fear, nervousness, and excitement spilled from him. “You don’t have to do this for me.”
“I know.” Nolan smiled. “It’ll be fine.” Or at least he hoped it would be.
Stepping into the light, the sun warmed his skin. He inhaled and exhaled slowly, relaxing, rolling his shoulders while he shook the tension from his hands. Maybe it wouldn’t work this time. Part of him hoped it wouldn’t. Then he could forget the stones, or combining them, or defeating anyone. He’d finally be able to just be himself.
The sunlight sank through him, burrowing into his flesh. He clenched his fists as the light met his other Shays. They whirled and danced toge
ther inside him. Heat rose in him like a fire, and his heart began to race.
Nolan breathed in short pants, his heart accelerating so quickly he couldn’t tell one beat from another. Pain stabbed his chest, and at that moment, a golden-yellow light spilled around him and in him, coursing through his arms, his legs. His body froze, his muscles tensed, and his feet lifted off the ground. Fireflies of golden light twirled, matching the speed of the maelstrom inside him.
Slowly, the storm calmed, and he gently touched down—just like on his first experience in the light. Unconsciousness didn’t claim him. No dreams. No mists. Greer didn’t enter his mind. He wilted, the tension leaving in a rush. He’d survived.
Alec laughed, relief flooding through him.
Nolan took a step and his legs collapsed. His muscles contracted and tightened like a bowstring. He cursed as a spasm took hold. “Crows! Was it this bad for you?”
Alec knelt. “Um, I didn’t notice with a sword rammed through me at the time.”
Nolan tried to laugh, but another spasm jerked through his body. After several more, his muscles finally loosened.
He pushed himself off the floor, but his arms wobbled, barely supporting him. When he raised his head, he forgot his discomfort. Greer, Sanawen, and Malik watched, shining in their magnificence.
Greer was as Nolan remembered: broad, glimmering, and regal. His short brown hair gleamed like copper.
Malik was much the same, with golden waves hanging down the sides of his face. However, he was even taller and broader than Greer.
Sanawen was the most changed. Nolan drew in a breath. Long, flowing, silver locks waved down the length of her back; she was … beautiful.
They all wore breastplates, leaving their muscular arms bare. The armor was adorned with intricate vines, as well as greaves and bracers that matched. It gleamed with golden light while the Guardians themselves glowed white and pure.
“Nolan, are you okay?” Alec asked, confused. He couldn’t see them.
Nolan blinked back his gawking. “Greer. If you don’t mind, I’d like to show Alec your true forms.”
“Greer?” Alec asked. “Who’s Greer?”
“Nolan, love. I’m not so sure,” Sanawen said.
“It’s okay,” Greer said. “If Nolan trusts him …”
Alec laughed nervously. “What the Darkness are you all talking about?”
“He is right,” Malik said. “And he has seen before.”
“Nolan,” Alec said. “What are you talking …” His voice trailed away as the transformations began.
Although Nolan couldn’t see it, he sensed it through Alec. Alec’s eyes widened, his mouth dropped open, and then he staggered backward, muttering under his breath. Fear and confusion gushed from him, and then Alec’s eyes shone with Speed.
Alec ran. However this time, Nolan watched as if time had slowed. He flared his own Speed, intercepted Alec at the door, grabbing him before he went through.
“Argh, Nolan. Not so hard!”
Nolan realized his Shay of Strength was also in full force. He relaxed his hold, but not enough to let his thrashing friend go.
Like a wild animal, Alec struggled. “Let go of me!”
“Calm down, Alec. They’re friends.”
He stopped fighting, but the tension in him was far from gone.
“Alec, I’d like you to meet the Guardians.”
Staring at the Guardians, his emotions ranging from horror to astonishment then finally to recognition as his eyes fixed on Malik.
“It’s not possible. Is it possible?” Alec said. “I’d almost talked myself out of it, thinking I’d imagined it after all.”
Malik bowed. “It was my honor to assist you in your time of need, Master Alec.”
“It’s you. You’re the one who saved me.”
Malik lowered his head. “Please forgive me. I almost didn’t feel your presence in the woods that night. I am ashamed I nearly arrived too late.”
“Ashamed?”
“If I were but a second more …” Malik continued.
“I would’ve died if you hadn’t come. Thank you.”
Malik released a breath heavy with a sob. A hint of a tear shimmered in the corner of his gleaming white eye. “Master Alec, you give me great honor.”
Sanawen and Greer stood taller, their chests thrust out in pride.
Was this the only time anyone had thanked them? A simple word brought the Guardian to tears. It then occurred to Nolan: They’d protected man, even after man nearly destroyed them. The Guardians disguised themselves for centuries. And they did it without a word of thanks.
Nolan knew how to hide—he was good at it. Even now, he buried his new powers from almost everyone. And it wasn’t because he was in any danger, or to protect someone like the Guardians did; he did it because he was afraid what others would think of him.
The truth fell on Nolan hard.
He swallowed. He’d been selfish. Emery and the others struggled, searching for answers, wandering around the land risking their lives. And the whole time, Nolan locked himself in his cottage, pretending nothing had happened. He had five Shays now, for Brim’s sake. He should do something.
Alec touched his arm. “Hey. You okay?”
Nolan cleared his throat and nodded. “I think so.”
“No hiding this time,” Alec said, excitement spilling from him. “I’ll take you out to practice Speed. With swords.”
Tremors went through Nolan’s legs as he adjusted to his new power. “All right. No hiding.” He pressed his lips together and tightened his fist. As soon as he mastered his new Shay, he would do something, by Brim.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS, Nolan and Alec lived in the forest, fighting from dusk until dawn. They sparred in small clearings, in thick groves, and even at the base of the mountains. It amazed Nolan how far they could travel within a few hours. After one such day, they ran back home. They tucked their Speed away, and the world around them skidded to a stop.
Nolan gulped in air, his lungs burning. Alec breathed heavily too but seemed to be under control.
“Run me through next time you talk me into this,” Nolan said between gasps. They’d traveled farther than usual.
“I wish I could. I can’t get a blade on you nowadays.” Alec leaned against an oak tree. “Though, you did cheat.”
“Well, you shouldn’t tell me to give you everything I have.”
Alec laughed and motioned toward Nolan’s sheath. “I owe you a new sword.”
Nolan frowned, thinking of the two sword halves. “I suppose I did hit you a little hard.”
“A little?”
“I didn’t expect your sword to cut mine in two.”
“Serves you right,” Alec teased. “Using your Strength like that.”
Nolan smiled. “I only used a little.”
Though Nolan had enjoyed the last two weeks of daily combat, it was time for Alec to be on his way.
“When are you supposed to meet Emery?” Nolan asked. He already knew but didn’t want to sound pushy.
“I was wondering when you were going to mention that.” A tremor of shame flickered through Alec. “I was supposed to meet him at the inn in Caldalk two days ago.”
“Two days?”
“I guess I’ve been putting it off.”
“Not that I haven’t enjoyed our matches—”
“I know, I know,” Alec said, his hands held up in defense. “I need to get out there. Just been having too much fun.”
“You aren’t going to blame me, are you?”
“Of course not,” Alec said with a sly grin. “Why would I do that?”
“I can tell if you’re lying.”
“I wouldn’t lie to you.” There was no joking in his emotions.
They stood, catching their breath, while a cool breeze filtered through the woods. The trees were changing; orange and yellow sprinkled through the leaves. A pair of wrens flew and landed on a branch, pruning themselves befo
re flapping away.
Apprehension formed in Alec’s emotions, and a question lingered between them.
“What is it?” Nolan asked.
Alec pursed his lips. “When we bring back the Healing stone, are you going to take it?”
“Will I stand in the light? I suppose I will. Then maybe I won’t have to hurt Megan the next time someone stabs me.” Nolan forced a laugh, but Alec didn’t. Worry lines creased his brow.
“I won’t touch you if you change, Nolan. I can’t.”
“Of course you won’t; I’m fast now.”
He leveled a stare at Nolan.
Nolan sighed. “You don’t need to worry about that. I’ll be fine. Alcandor is bad, not because of the powers, just because he is.”
Alec’s shoulders relaxed, and relief leaked from him. “So you’re not concerned about the last stone? About the power changing you?”
“Of course not,” Nolan lied. He wasn’t sure what would happen, but it wasn’t worth stressing his friend now.
“So, why you?” Alec asked. “What makes you different than the rest of us?”
“Don’t know,” Nolan said. “Some are born with extra fingers and toes. I guess I’m just strange.”
“So you’re a mutant?” A grin spread across his face.
Nolan snickered. “I suppose so.”
They pushed off and started walking back to the village. Now that they were rested, the cold breeze brushed against his sweat coated skin. Nolan shivered and rubbed his arms.
“I’ve adjusted to all the powers,” Nolan said. “A little overwhelming at times, but I’ve got them mostly under control. But there is still one thing I haven’t gotten used to.”
“Oh? What’s that?”
“The Guardians. I can only see them in their true forms now. Kind of miss the old Jared and Bonty, especially when a giant light warrior is trying to make me tea.”
Alec laughed. “I don’t see them like you do, but I still can’t get it out of my head. I’m glad they’re real, though. For a while there, I thought I’d gone mad.”
Nolan knew exactly what he meant.
“Poor Father,” Alec said. “I think he still fancies Bonty. Didn’t take it so well when she started hanging out with Malik.”
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